Residential Building Inspector B1Wall Construction and Wall CoveringsMedium
A contractor is installing exterior wood structural panel sheathing on a wall that will serve as a shear wall. The sheathing is 15/32-inch thick plywood, and the studs are spaced 16 inches on center. What is the maximum fastener spacing required along panel edges?
- A12 inches on center
- B8 inches on center
- C6 inches on center
- D4 inches on center
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 6 inches on center
According to IRC Table R602.10.4(1) for wood structural panel shear walls, for 15/32-inch plywood with 16-inch o.c. studs, the maximum fastener spacing along panel edges is 6 inches on center.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 12 inches o.c. is generally too wide for shear wall panel edges and would not provide adequate shear resistance.
- B. 8 inches o.c. is typically for field fastening (intermediate studs) but not for panel edges.
- D. 4 inches o.c. is a common spacing for higher shear capacities or specific engineered designs, but not the general maximum for this scenario.
Shear Wall Fastener Spacing
Fastener spacing for wood structural panel shear walls is critical for resisting lateral loads and varies based on panel thickness and framing spacing.
- Edge spacing is tighter than field spacing.
- Thicker panels or higher loads may require tighter spacing.
- Common edge spacing: 4 or 6 inches o.c.
Memory trick: Shear walls need nails like teeth, biting tight on the edges for strength.